# Ten tips to help children stay safe on bouncy castles at fundraising events

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2016/05/05/ten-top-tips-help-children-stay-safe-bouncy-castles-fundraising-events/
- Published: 2016-05-05T23:43:33+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**Does your charity run fundraising events that include bouncy castles for children?
Charity and event insurance specialist Ecclesiastical has published ten tips to 
help churches, charities and schools keep children safe as they enjoy the fun on
bouncy castles. **

The insurance company’s tips come as organisations make the most of the summer weather
by using bouncy castles to raise money for good causes at fairs, fetes and barbecues.

Huw Andrews, principal casualty consultant for Ecclesiastical explained:

## Advertisement

> “With summer just around the corner, organisations all over the country will be
> using bouncy castles to help raise money for good causes. We want people to continue
> having fun and enjoying themselves, as well as helping organisers to manage the
> risks and make events as safe as possible.”

![Children on a bouncy castle](https://wfay6x.infiniteuploads.cloud/2016/05/children-
bouncy-castle.jpg)

## Ecclesiastical’s 10 tips for hiring and using a bouncy castle

1.      Hire the equipment from a reputable company, with adequate Public Liability
insurance – at least £2,000,000

2.      If possible, arrange for the hire company to set up the equipment for you.
If not, follow the instructions in the operating manual, particularly guidance on
siting and anchorage

3.      Check that the inflatable has been manufactured to British Standard (BS 
EN 14960) requirements. A label will tell you if it has, as well as when it was 
made, how many people can use it and what heights they should be – make sure these
instructions are followed

4.      If the castle is over a year old, ask for proof that it has been tested 
by a competent person – usually by those registered with PIPA Inflatable Play Inspection
or the Amusement Devices Inspection Procedures Scheme

5.      If an electrical blower is provided, check that it has been inspected at
least annually

6.      Provide and maintain any additional equipment which might be required e.
g. crowd barriers

7.      Get the hiring company to supervise its use for you. Otherwise, make sure
you are given detailed instructions on how to do this properly

8.      When castles are inflated, make sure there are always enough competent people
supervising their use, following any operating instructions that have been provided

9.      Make sure that the inflatable will not be used if the weather is likely 
to be inclement, particularly in high winds

10.  While the castle is in use, make sure any necessary checks are completed.  
Where any defects are identified, make sure these are rectified immediately, or 
keep children safe until this has been done.

## Further guidance

There is additional guidance from Ecclesiastical on [using bouncy castles safely](http://www.ecclesiastical.com/fororganisations/riskmanagement/risk-management-advice/summer-risks/bouncy-castle-safety/index.aspx).

Additional guidance on using bouncy castles safely is available at:

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) also provides [advice for parents wanting to hire a bouncy castle](http://www.rospa.com/leisure-safety/advice/bouncy-castles/)
or looking for a responsible hirer.

There are also [guidelines on the safe use and operation of play inflatables](http://www.pipa.org.uk),
including bouncy castles.

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